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Kelleher SL. The ins and outs of mammary gland calcium and zinc transport: A brief review. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 4:240-244. [PMID: 37360130 PMCID: PMC10285217 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2022-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Milk is an excellent source of all macrominerals and trace elements, which are essential for proper function of a wide variety of vital processes. The concentrations of minerals in milk are influenced by numerous factors, including stage of lactation, time of day, nutritional and health status of the mother, as well as maternal genotype and environmental exposures. Additionally, tight regulation of mineral transport within the secretory mammary epithelial cell itself is critical for the production and secretion of milk. In this brief review, we focus on the current understanding of how the essential divalent cations calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn) are transported in the mammary gland (MG) with a focus on molecular regulation and the consequence of genotype. A deeper grasp of mechanisms and factors affecting Ca and Zn transport in the MG is important to understanding milk production, mineral output, and MG health to inform intervention design and novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in production animals and humans.
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Human Milk-Derived Levels of let-7g-5p May Serve as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker of Low Milk Supply in Breastfeeding Women. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030567. [PMID: 36771276 PMCID: PMC9920885 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Low milk supply (LMS) is associated with early breastfeeding cessation; however, the biological underpinnings in the mammary gland are not understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally downregulate gene expression, and we hypothesized the profile of miRNAs secreted into milk reflects lactation performance. Longitudinal changes in milk miRNAs were measured using RNAseq in women with LMS (n = 47) and adequate milk supply (AMS; n = 123). Relationships between milk miRNAs, milk supply, breastfeeding outcomes, and infant weight gain were assessed, and interactions between milk miRNAs, maternal diet, smoking status, and BMI were determined. Women with LMS had lower milk volume (p = 0.003), were more likely to have ceased breast feeding by 24 wks (p = 0.0003) and had infants with a lower mean weight-for-length z-score (p = 0.013). Milk production was significantly associated with milk levels of miR-16-5p (R = -0.14, adj p = 0.044), miR-22-3p (R = 0.13, adj p = 0.044), and let-7g-5p (R = 0.12, adj p = 0.046). Early milk levels of let-7g-5p were significantly higher in mothers with LMS (adj p = 0.0025), displayed an interaction between lactation stage and milk supply (p < 0.001), and were negatively related to fruit intake (p = 0.015). Putative targets of let-7g-5p include genes important to hormone signaling, RNA regulation, ion transport, and the extracellular matrix, and down-regulation of two targets (PRLR and IGF2BP1/IMP1) was confirmed in mammary cells overexpressing let-7g-5p in vitro. Our data provide evidence that milk-derived miRNAs reflect lactation performance in women and warrant further investigation to assess their utility for predicting LMS risk and early breastfeeding cessation.
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Zinc Signaling in the Mammary Gland: For Better and for Worse. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091204. [PMID: 34572390 PMCID: PMC8469023 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc (Zn2+) plays an essential role in epithelial physiology. Among its many effects, most prominent is its action to accelerate cell proliferation, thereby modulating wound healing. It also mediates affects in the gastrointestinal system, in the testes, and in secretory organs, including the pancreas, salivary, and prostate glands. On the cellular level, Zn2+ is involved in protein folding, DNA, and RNA synthesis, and in the function of numerous enzymes. In the mammary gland, Zn2+ accumulation in maternal milk is essential for supporting infant growth during the neonatal period. Importantly, Zn2+ signaling also has direct roles in controlling mammary gland development or, alternatively, involution. During breast cancer progression, accumulation or redistribution of Zn2+ occurs in the mammary gland, with aberrant Zn2+ signaling observed in the malignant cells. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of in Zn2+ the mammary gland, and the proteins controlling cellular Zn2+ homeostasis and signaling, including Zn2+ transporters and the Gq-coupled Zn2+ sensing receptor, ZnR/GPR39. Significant advances in our understanding of Zn2+ signaling in the normal mammary gland as well as in the context of breast cancer provides new avenues for identification of specific targets for breast cancer therapy.
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Guantario B, Capolupo A, Monti MC, Leoni G, Ranaldi G, Tosco A, Marzullo L, Murgia C, Perozzi G. Proteomic Analysis of Zn Depletion/Repletion in the Hormone-Secreting Thyroid Follicular Cell Line FRTL-5. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121981. [PMID: 30558183 PMCID: PMC6315927 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc deficiency predisposes to a wide spectrum of chronic diseases. The human Zn proteome was predicted to represent about 10% of the total human proteome, reflecting the broad array of metabolic functions in which this micronutrient is known to participate. In the thyroid, Zn was reported to regulate cellular homeostasis, with a yet elusive mechanism. The Fischer Rat Thyroid Cell Line FRTL-5 cell model, derived from a Fischer rat thyroid and displaying a follicular cell phenotype, was used to investigate a possible causal relationship between intracellular Zn levels and thyroid function. A proteomic approach was applied to compare proteins expressed in Zn deficiency, obtained by treating cells with the Zn-specific chelator N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylene-diamine (TPEN), with Zn repleted cells. Quantitative proteomic analysis of whole cell protein extracts was performed using stable isotope dimethyl labelling coupled to nano-ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). TPEN treatment led to almost undetectable intracellular Zn, while decreasing thyroglobulin secretion. Subsequent addition of ZnSO4 fully reversed these phenotypes. Comparative proteomic analysis of Zn depleted/repleted cells identified 108 proteins modulated by either treatment. Biological process enrichment analysis identified functions involved in calcium release and the regulation of translation as the most strongly regulated processes in Zn depleted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Guantario
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, CREA, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy.
| | - Angela Capolupo
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Chemistry & Chemical Technologies "Luigi Gomez Paloma", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Maria Chiara Monti
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Chemistry & Chemical Technologies "Luigi Gomez Paloma", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Guido Leoni
- Nouscom, via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giulia Ranaldi
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, CREA, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Tosco
- Department of Pharmacy Biomedical Division "Arturo Leone", University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
| | - Liberato Marzullo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Schola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, 84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy.
| | - Chiara Murgia
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia.
| | - Giuditta Perozzi
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, CREA, Via Ardeatina 546, 00178 Rome, Italy.
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Zinc Transporter Proteins. Neurochem Res 2017; 43:517-530. [PMID: 29243032 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2454-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Zinc, which is involved in the structure of all enzyme classes, is a micro nutrient element and necessary for growth and development. The ability of zinc to function without causing toxic effects is depends on the protection of its homeostasis. Zinc transporter proteins are responsible for keeping zinc at certain concentrations. Based on their predicted membrane topology, Zn transporters are divided into two major families, SLC39s/ZIPs and SLC30s/ZnTs, which transport Zn in opposite directions through cellular and intracellular membranes. ZIPs increases the zinc concentration in the cytosol. For this, the ZIPs carries the zinc from extracellular and intracellular compartments to the cytosol. ZnTs, reduces the concentration of zinc in the cytosol. For this, ZnTs carries the zinc from the cytosol to extracellular and intracellular compartments. After being transported to the cell, 50% of the zinc is found in the cytoplasm, 30-40% in the nucleus, and 10% in the plasma and organelle membranes. The expression of many zinc transporter proteins in the cell is depending on the concentration of zinc and the physiological problems. The aim of this study is to give information about association of zinc transporter proteins with physiological events and health problems.
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Wessels I, Maywald M, Rink L. Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function. Nutrients 2017; 9:E1286. [PMID: 29186856 PMCID: PMC5748737 DOI: 10.3390/nu9121286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 357] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
After the discovery of zinc deficiency in the 1960s, it soon became clear that zinc is essential for the function of the immune system. Zinc ions are involved in regulating intracellular signaling pathways in innate and adaptive immune cells. Zinc homeostasis is largely controlled via the expression and action of zinc "importers" (ZIP 1-14), zinc "exporters" (ZnT 1-10), and zinc-binding proteins. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of zinc have long been documented, however, underlying mechanisms are still not entirely clear. Here, we report molecular mechanisms underlying the development of a pro-inflammatory phenotype during zinc deficiency. Furthermore, we describe links between altered zinc homeostasis and disease development. Consequently, the benefits of zinc supplementation for a malfunctioning immune system become clear. This article will focus on underlying mechanisms responsible for the regulation of cellular signaling by alterations in zinc homeostasis. Effects of fast zinc flux, intermediate "zinc waves", and late homeostatic zinc signals will be discriminated. Description of zinc homeostasis-related effects on the activation of key signaling molecules, as well as on epigenetic modifications, are included to emphasize the role of zinc as a gatekeeper of immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Wessels
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Martina Maywald
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lothar Rink
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Maret W. Zinc in Cellular Regulation: The Nature and Significance of "Zinc Signals". Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2285. [PMID: 29088067 PMCID: PMC5713255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, we witnessed discoveries that established Zn2+ as a second major signalling metal ion in the transmission of information within cells and in communication between cells. Together with Ca2+ and Mg2+, Zn2+ covers biological regulation with redox-inert metal ions over many orders of magnitude in concentrations. The regulatory functions of zinc ions, together with their functions as a cofactor in about three thousand zinc metalloproteins, impact virtually all aspects of cell biology. This article attempts to define the regulatory functions of zinc ions, and focuses on the nature of zinc signals and zinc signalling in pathways where zinc ions are either extracellular stimuli or intracellular messengers. These pathways interact with Ca2+, redox, and phosphorylation signalling. The regulatory functions of zinc require a complex system of precise homeostatic control for transients, subcellular distribution and traffic, organellar homeostasis, and vesicular storage and exocytosis of zinc ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Maret
- Metal Metabolism Group, Departments of Biochemistry and Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Bldg, 150 Stamford St., London SE1 9NH, UK.
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Kambe T, Matsunaga M, Takeda TA. Understanding the Contribution of Zinc Transporters in the Function of the Early Secretory Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102179. [PMID: 29048339 PMCID: PMC5666860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
More than one-third of newly synthesized proteins are targeted to the early secretory pathway, which is comprised of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, and other intermediate compartments. The early secretory pathway plays a key role in controlling the folding, assembly, maturation, modification, trafficking, and degradation of such proteins. A considerable proportion of the secretome requires zinc as an essential factor for its structural and catalytic functions, and recent findings reveal that zinc plays a pivotal role in the function of the early secretory pathway. Hence, a disruption of zinc homeostasis and metabolism involving the early secretory pathway will lead to pathway dysregulation, resulting in various defects, including an exacerbation of homeostatic ER stress. The accumulated evidence indicates that specific members of the family of Zn transporters (ZNTs) and Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIPs), which operate in the early secretory pathway, play indispensable roles in maintaining zinc homeostasis by regulating the influx and efflux of zinc. In this review, the biological functions of these transporters are discussed, focusing on recent aspects of their roles. In particular, we discuss in depth how specific ZNT transporters are employed in the activation of zinc-requiring ectoenzymes. The means by which early secretory pathway functions are controlled by zinc, mediated by specific ZNT and ZIP transporters, are also subjects of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiho Kambe
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Mayu Matsunaga
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
| | - Taka-Aki Takeda
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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Lee S, Kelleher SL. Molecular regulation of lactation: The complex and requisite roles for zinc. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 611:86-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Lee S, Kelleher SL. Biological underpinnings of breastfeeding challenges: the role of genetics, diet, and environment on lactation physiology. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2016; 311:E405-22. [PMID: 27354238 PMCID: PMC5005964 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00495.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lactation is a dynamic process that has evolved to produce a complex biological fluid that provides nutritive and nonnutritive factors to the nursing offspring. It has long been assumed that once lactation is successfully initiated, the primary factor regulating milk production is infant demand. Thus, most interventions have focused on improving breastfeeding education and early lactation support. However, in addition to infant demand, increasing evidence from studies conducted in experimental animal models, production animals, and breastfeeding women suggests that a diverse array of maternal factors may also affect milk production and composition. In this review, we provide an overview of our current understanding of the role of maternal genetics and modifiable factors, such as diet and environmental exposures, on reproductive endocrinology, lactation physiology, and the ability to successfully produce milk. To identify factors that may affect lactation in women, we highlight some information gleaned from studies in experimental animal models and production animals. Finally, we highlight the gaps in current knowledge and provide commentary on future research opportunities aimed at improving lactation outcomes in breastfeeding women to improve the health of mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeon Lee
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology
| | - Shannon L Kelleher
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pharmacology, and Surgery, Pennsylvania State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; and Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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Kimura T, Kambe T. The Functions of Metallothionein and ZIP and ZnT Transporters: An Overview and Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:336. [PMID: 26959009 PMCID: PMC4813198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 274] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Around 3000 proteins are thought to bind zinc in vivo, which corresponds to ~10% of the human proteome. Zinc plays a pivotal role as a structural, catalytic, and signaling component that functions in numerous physiological processes. It is more widely used as a structural element in proteins than any other transition metal ion, is a catalytic component of many enzymes, and acts as a cellular signaling mediator. Thus, it is expected that zinc metabolism and homeostasis have sophisticated regulation, and elucidating the underlying molecular basis of this is essential to understanding zinc functions in cellular physiology and pathogenesis. In recent decades, an increasing amount of evidence has uncovered critical roles of a number of proteins in zinc metabolism and homeostasis through influxing, chelating, sequestrating, coordinating, releasing, and effluxing zinc. Metallothioneins (MT) and Zrt- and Irt-like proteins (ZIP) and Zn transporters (ZnT) are the proteins primarily involved in these processes, and their malfunction has been implicated in a number of inherited diseases such as acrodermatitis enteropathica. The present review updates our current understanding of the biological functions of MTs and ZIP and ZnT transporters from several new perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Kimura
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Setsunan University, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8508, Japan.
| | - Taiho Kambe
- Division of Integrated Life Science, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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